Air quality on commercial aircraft could be harmful to lung disease patients, study shows

Airline Industry Information, Nov 9, 2004

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Researchers in Australia have claimed that the quality of air on board commercial passenger aircraft can produce a drop in blood oxygen below recommended levels in people with lung problems.

Previous studies have shown a link between diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and low blood oxygen levels while flying but a new study by the Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney has found a link between flying and interstitial lung disease.

The research team said that it tested both COPD and interstitial lung disease patients and found that when subjected to an airline cabin atmosphere both showed blood oxygen levels below the recommended levels, reports Reuters.

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